Final Report on MDTA Basic Education and Vocational Classes of the Work Training Program, Inc., 1965-67.

Santa Barbara City Coll., CA. Adult Education Div.

This report describes a cooperative effort by a city college, a private group (Work Training Program, Inc.), and government agencies to rehabilitate local, long-time unemployed families. After considerable frustration and bureaucratic delay, the project concentrated on basic education and three vocational courses: gardener/groundsman, custodian/porter, and home attendant. Other vocational courses were requested, but were discouraged locally or rejected by the state. The staff used flexible teaching methods, much personal counseling, and many field trips to lessen the alienation and despair felt by most of the trainees. Many tests were used, but both they and the classes were kept as informal as possible. Details of all methods and results are given. The principal finding was that basic education was far more effective than vocational training in job placement, for those classes had been used to teach not only mathematics and language, but also group participation, civic awareness, and self-respect. Another conclusion was that vocational programs should aim toward higher-status jobs, rather than low-level, menial ones. The staff felt that emphasis on self-development through involvement and informal counseling was the most important factor in rehabilitation. Many families were removed from the welfare rolls after two or three generations. The hazards and limitations, as well as the accomplishments, of this program may serve as a guide for other local cooperative efforts. (HH)